Editor's note: Zhang Hua, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is a researcher at the Taiwan Institute of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

From April 7 to 12, Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) Party chairwoman Cheng Li-wun led a delegation on a visit to the Chinese mainland. The trip, which included a meeting with Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, and the announcement of 10 policies and measures to promote cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation, carries several important implications for cross-Strait relations.

A reassertion of shared interests across the Taiwan Strait

Cheng's visit underscores the enduring interconnectedness between people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. At a time when external actors are playing an increasingly visible role in Taiwan-related affairs, the visit highlights an alternative perspective – one that frames cross-Strait relations as an issue best addressed by people on both sides of the Strait.

This perspective is rooted not only in present-day interactions but also in a shared historical and cultural foundation. People on both sides of the Strait share common linguistic, cultural and ancestral ties. Together, they have contributed to the formation of a unified, multi-ethnic Chinese state, participated in shaping Chinese history, and have helped create what is widely recognized as Chinese civilization. These historical linkages are often cited to support the view that the two sides remain closely connected at a fundamental level.

Cheng's visit underscores the extent to which people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait remain deeply interconnected. Historically, compatriots on both sides share the same language, culture and bloodline. The Chinese nation, including the people of Taiwan, jointly created a unified multi-ethnic country, wrote Chinese history and created Chinese civilization. This shows that compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are one family.

Recent developments – including expanded US arms sales to the Taiwan region, pressure on key industries in Taiwan to invest abroad and growing rhetoric from regional actors – have added uncertainty to the situation. Against this backdrop, Cheng's visit emphasizes a perspective that prioritizes linkages across the Strait, and argues for reducing external influence on shaping its future.

Peaceful development as the central priority

Cheng's visit also reinforces the argument that stability and peaceful development should remain the core priorities in managing cross-Strait relations. This comes at a time of heightened global instability, with ongoing conflicts such as the conflict in Ukraine and renewed tensions in the Middle East raising broader concerns about geopolitical spillover effects.

Within Taiwan, public opinion continues to reflect a strong preference for maintaining peace and stability. According to a poll conducted by United Daily News, 63% of respondents oppose the current authority's cross-Strait policies. The figure points to a consistent trend in public sentiment: While political views may differ, there is broad support for avoiding confrontation and preserving dialogue. Cheng's trip can be seen as aligning with this sentiment. Her trip thus serves both as a political signal and as a response to domestic expectations within Taiwan society.

During his meeting with Cheng, Xi also emphasized that harmony within the family brings prosperity to all, and that as long as the 1992 Consensus is upheld and "Taiwan independence" is opposed, the mainland welcomes proposals conducive to the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and will do its utmost to promote this peaceful development. This once again demonstrated the sincerity of the mainland towards its compatriots in Taiwan.

Renewed momentum for dialogue and cooperation

The third key takeaway is the continued demand for practical exchanges and cooperation. Although cross-Strait economic and people-to-people interactions have gradually recovered, political tensions have constrained broader engagement, given that the Lai Ching-te administration's wrongdoings are suppressing those engaged in cross-Strait exchanges, casting a shadow over non-governmental cooperation.

However, surveys indicate that 88% of people in Taiwan support maintaining communication channels with the mainland. Therefore, Cheng's visit is particularly notable, as it comes after a long pause in formalized exchanges between the CPC and the KMT.

On the very day Cheng left the mainland, the Taiwan Work Office of the CPC Central Committee issued 10 policies and measures, including allowing Taiwan's youth to visit the mainland, permitting individual tourism from Shanghai and Fujian to Taiwan, and promoting cross-Strait cooperation in agriculture, fisheries, and cultural ties. Xi also said that the goal of developing cross-Strait relations is to enable compatriots on both sides of the Strait to live a better life.

In conclusion, Cheng's trip to the mainland is of great significance for establishing a regular communication mechanism between the KMT and the CPC and for maintaining peaceful development across the Taiwan Strait. It also effectively responds to public opinion on the island that the two sides want peace and cooperation.

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